The Astros have designated outfielder Carlos Gomez for assignment, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports. Kaplan was told directly by Gomez, who left the vistitors’ clubhouse in Minnesota to board a flight back to Houston.
Gomez, 30, has had a rough season, batting .210/.272/.322 with five home runs and 29 RBI in 323 plate appearances. He’s also battled injuries including a bruised ribcage and a hamstring issue.
If the Astros don’t find a trading partner to move Gomez, they’ll be able to release him or outright him to the minor leagues in 10 days. Given that Gomez isn’t far separated from his last productive season (2014), it would seem that another team would be willing to take a flier on him to fill an outfield need.
Gomez can become a free agent after the season.